South Africa - the real dark horses of the 2019 World Cup?

[jaf348]

Expectations for South Africa in the upcoming WC appear to be at its lowest ever since their tournament debut in 92. This was compounded even further after the retirement of De Villiers last year. Could this just be the blessing in disguise that they need to make up for previous failures to live up to hype?

This tournament could potentially be the final swan song for the likes of Steyn, Amla, Faf, Tahir and Duminy. A bowling line up of Rabada, Steyn, Ngidi and Tahir is capable of tearing through any batting line up on its day. QdK is as explosive as any other opener while Amla would be expected to be the accumulator and anchor. The real game changer could be van der Dussen who while new to international cricket has shown maturity and considerable calmness under pressure.

 

[Hyperion66]

No way SA is reaching semis, batting is too dependent on Faf who himself is nothing special.

 

[Bigbb]

They have arguably the best bowling attack in this world cup. If batting clicks, then they're right up there with England and India as favourites.

 

[ahmadharis1]

Agreed.

When they click, QDK and Hashim Amla is just as good as an opening pair, if not better, as Dhawan/Sharma. Then Faf at 3 for stability is a run machine, Aiden Markram is classy and has shown the ability to bat very well. JP, Phelukwayo are solid allrounders who can contribute with bat and ball.

Then there's the bowling attack. Rabada, Steyn, Tahir, Ngidi is easily one of the best bowling attacks in the world

 

[saeed5646]

From years in current world cup expectations are low from Sa .if they do play with mind set of nothing to lose they can be quite dangerous side .
I see them in semi final ahead of nz which is unpopular opinion but quite possible.

 

[Suleiman]

West Indies are dark horses. Nobody takes SA seriously enough to win any gold.

The 2nd worst ODI side Pakistan ever fielded in a WC was able to beat one of the best WC SA squads last world cup.

 

[Bhaijaan]

They might not even make it to semis.

 

[The_Odd_One]

De Kock and Faf are the only two players with a spine in that team. This the weakest SA squad in any World Cup.

 

[Gabbar Singh]

They have an old team - Amla is 36, Faf 35 in July, JP 35, Steyn 36 in June, Tahir 40.

And as mentioned above other than Faf and QDK their batting is very hit and miss - Miller is inconsistent, Makram hasn't done anything at odi level so what's left? An ageing Amla and JP?

 

[JattMaula]

They have an old team - Amla is 36, Faf 35 in July, JP 35, Steyn 36 in June, Tahir 40.

And as mentioned above other than Faf and QDK their batting is very hit and miss - Miller is inconsistent, Makram hasn't done anything at odi level so what's left? An ageing Amla and JP?

"Experience" is South Africa's main problem. Some have too much(and of wrong kind) and others too little.

 

[Chokli]

ABD really screwed them hard by retiring just a year before the World Cup.

Extremely selfish behaviour and a big middle finger to the fans and his country.

1.Hashim Amla
2.Quinton De Kock
3.AB De Villiers
4.Faf Du Plessis
5.JP Duminy
6.David Miller

Would have been a gun line up

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

They have an old team - Amla is 36, Faf 35 in July, JP 35, Steyn 36 in June, Tahir 40.

And as mentioned above other than Faf and QDK their batting is very hit and miss - Miller is inconsistent, Makram hasn't done anything at odi level so what's left? An ageing Amla and JP?

Indian team looks like an Under 19 team in front of South Africa.

 

[Hasan123]

I don’t think they will do as bad as PP makes out. They have a good attack for English conditions, also a more than decent batting line up. They will be close to the semis if they don’t make it.